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MEDITATION A 2

Here we are going to be thinking, not about our physical assets, but attributes of mind and soul. This is more difficult. We are less likely to deceive ourselves about our physical qualities, which are more obvious to others, than we are about our characters, which are less open and apparent. We can keep our true nature a secret from others (at least for a time), and in the process manage to deceive ourselves. Indeed, we do tend to view our own character through rose tinted spectacles. We have our own ideas of what makes a good character (that is our mental and moral nature) and we tend to assume that we always live by our own standards. In this area of our search for self-knowledge, even more than the other, we need the help of the Holy Spirit to see ourselves as we really are.

Again, here is a prayer to bring us to a place of readiness.
Lord, you know of every moment of every day of my life. You are aware of every one of my thoughts, of every word I have spoken, of every movement, every action. There is nothing about me that you do not know. I am stripped of every pretence. I am without excuse, and can blame no-one for my wrong-doing. Yet, in spite of everything, you have a regard for me. Because I am your creature and because you love me, you desire that I should know myself as you know me.

Bible Reading: Psalm 139
Read the psalm through again. Then take verses 23 and 24 as the focus for meditation.

We are trying to get an understanding of our nature and character, and how these have been influenced by events and the things we have experienced. We have to ask the Holy Spirit to bring images to mind which help to give us a true knowledge of ourselves. We want to see ourselves, not as we see ourselves, or even as others see us, but as God sees us. Think of some qualities of character like truthfulness, honesty, fairness, loyalty, kindness, dependability and generosity. How far do you measure up in these areas? Think too of negative qualities like greed, indifference, malice, jealousy, hatred and conceit. Can you identify any of these within yourself? Bear in mind that you are looking at what you are, not what you would like to be. Again, make a note of your findings.